Liverpool boxer Joe Wood finds the silver lining in dark cloud

Joe Wood (green) Rydal boxing Nathan Bennett (Kirkdale) back in his amateur days

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It's said every cloud has a silver lining, it's just a matter of finding it and Liverpool's Joe Wood has done exactly that amid disruptive preparations for his second professional bout.

The 23-year-old was all set for a show in Ellesmere Port last month before an eleventh hour cancellation by the promoter.

It was a tough pill to swallow for a young fighter who had dedicated the entirety of 2016 preparing for this chance, however, Wood's misfortune quickly turned in his favour according to one of his trainers, Dee 'The Hat' Taggart.

“It has been an absolute nightmare, but at the same time, a blessing in disguise,” admitted Taggart.

“We made a few changes to the background team since and even I know as a former professional it can be tough; it can destroy fighters.

“We got Joe this new backing and within a month we had a date,” said the Northern Irishman.

“In the end up, it's far better for him. He had five days off after that first camp and we've just eased him back in to training.

“It has basically been two camps back-to-back; it was a bit of a disaster but the changes have been for the good. He's looking sharp and focused.”

He added: “He's on a show with Robbie Davies Junior and Kid Galahad; it's a fantastic opportunity for Joe. It's a class venue too and to be on the bill with a world ranked Scouser is an added bonus.”

Wood himself admitted the whole upheaval of last month's cancellation was a bit hard to stomach but he is now ready to put that all behind him as he concentrates on the future.

“I was just ready to go and two days before the fight, it gets pulled, it was an absolute nightmare,” insisted Wood. “I was thinking I had done all that training for nothing, I don't get paid and I can't pay my trainers Dee and Robbie, what a mess.”

He continued: “I've just tried to treat it as if I've had two fights close together. I'm never out of the gym anyway, so it hasn't really felt like two camps.”

And Wood, despite waiting almost seven months for his second ever four-rounder, can see that silver lining.

“To be honest, it is a much better show with the likes of Robbie, Kid Galahad and Adam Little. It's the platform I need for sure, much better.

“Now, I just can't wait for it, I'm absolutely raring to go and I'm really looking forward to a big feed after it.”